1. Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park has endless play spaces, parks, and splash pads. One of the best things about this park is the designated spaces for each age group—the best areas for babies and toddlers are The Water Hole, where you'll find animal figures and water features, and The Harbor, which is a 2,000-square-foot play area with play-sized boats, a covered "marine" area, and a ramp down to "water" level. 

2. Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public year-round and The Pritzker Children's Zoo is a best best for babies. The Wild Sapling Play Forest has a log tower and an above-ground tunnel, and babies will love to watch the river otters play. Be sure to check out the new Houston Family Play Treehouse, it has immersive sensory features and a play area for kids of all ages. Here's what else is new at the Lincoln Park Zoo in 2024. 

3. Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk and Sanctuary 

The Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk and Sanctuary are both free. Everything is outdoors and provides spectacular photo backdrops. There’s a boardwalk, pond, fish, bird watching, and a farmers market in the summer through fall. 

Babies love the bright colors and smells at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

3. Garfield Park Conservatory 

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the best gems in the city. This beautiful conservatory is always blooming with colorful flowers and tropical plants. The conservatory is free with a suggested donation of $5. For babies, there’s a padded play space for them to crawl and climb. You can also rent party rooms for a birthday party. 

5. Play Tourist (with Photo Ops) Along Michigan Avenue

Chicago is home to Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile. Along the Mag Mile, you'll find luxury shopping, restaurants, cafes, and plenty of famous Chicago sights. Michigan Avenue landmarks include Water Tower Place, the original Chicago Water Tower, the Hancock Building, and the Chicago River. Grab your stroller and head downtown to snap pictures of your little sightseer for your baby book. 

6. Lake Michigan Beaches

Chicago boasts an impressive 26-mile coastline on the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll find an 18-mile path and over 24 free public beaches, and the best beaches for babies include Crystal Lake Main Beach Area, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, and Gillson Park Beach. The first two have splash pads and the latter has a playground for little ones. You'll also find beach-side restaurants, hot dog stands, and ice cream carts for summer treats. 

7. Local Farmers Markets

Local farmers markets can be found in several neighborhoods throughout the city. Your little one will love cruising through the aisles of people-watching and trying new fruit, fresh veggies, pastries, and baked goods. Gather goodies for a picnic at a nearby park or bench. 

 
Cloud Gate at Millennium Park in Chicago. Photo by Jim Bauer via Flickr

8. The Bean

The Bean—aka Cloud Gate—is a world-famous art installation. Located in Chicago’s Millennium Park, even if you’ve passed it a hundred times, babies will see it in a whole new way. They can make faces and wave to you in the mirrored exterior. Nearby you'll find several restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat outdoors.  

9. Water Taxi or Boat Ride on the Chicago River

Seasonally, water taxis and architecture tours happen almost hourly on the Chicago River. On the water taxi, you can start at Navy Pier or Ogilvie Train Station and take it up to North Avenue or Chinatown. Architecture tours take you along the Chicago River and some even go into Lake Michigan. 

10. Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo is open to the public year-round. Your little animal lover will love strolling through the acres of wildlife. If you’re looking for a spot to cool down, take them to the dolphin show for a quick splash. 

Several parks within the zoo are great for some non-stroller time. You’ll find baby swings and smaller structures babies can crawl and climb on. There are strollers to rent or you can bring your own baby carrier, stroller, or wagon. 

11. Kohl Children’s Museum 

The Kohl Children’s Museum is an awesome experience for small babies and children. This is by far one of the coolest museums in the city for kids. Everything is hands-on and designed to be played with. From water play to a pretend grocery store, there is plenty for crawlers and new walkers to play on and explore as well.

Commune with the underwater creatures at the aquarium.

12. Shedd Aquarium 

The Shedd Aquarium is truly a wonder to behold. You’ll find jellyfish, dolphins, otters, sea lions, and thousands of salt and freshwater fish. There are several hands-on play areas for little ones, shows, and restaurants. 

13. Navy Pier

Navy Pier has something for everyone, and it's reopening this spring. Your babe will love walking down the pier on a summer day, and with ships, cruise liners, and tour boats coming in and out, there’s no shortage of action. Navy Pier is also home to one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. 

Inside, you’ll find the Chicago Children’s Museum, shopping, restaurants, and stunning views of the pier and coastline. Navy Pier is the most popular starting point if you’re taking an architecture tour,

14. Field Museum 

The Field Museum is most well-known for Sue and its other amazing dinosaurs. If you have a budding baby dino-lover, the Field Museum is a must-see. In addition to dinosaurs, exhibits range from gems, rocks, mummies, and more. The Crown Family Play Lab is a great place for kids to stretch their legs, crawl around, and explore out of the stroller. 

15. The Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is great for small children. With plenty of room for strollers, your baby will have the best seat in the house. When they are ready for free play there are several play structures and hands-on experiences for little ones. They can watch baby chicks hatch, see life on a farm, experience extreme weather, and stroll through a fantasy castle. 

16. Crown Fountain at Millennium Park 

Millennium Park is a great place for a walk on a summer day,  Located in the loop, you’ll see skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as your backdrop. Dress your little one in clothes you don’t mind getting wet and they can explore Crown Fountain. Crown Fountain is an interactive public work of art. The fountain is made of two glass block towers standing 50 feet tall. On the towers, you’ll see 1,000 different Chicagoan's faces with water spouting out down onto the ground below. 

17. Illinois Railway Museum 

For train-loving babies, there’s nothing better than the Illinois Railway Museum. Located in Union, Illinois, you’ll find an impressive collection of vintage and antique trains. There are trains you can explore and ride, and the train-themed playground is a favorite for younger children. Thomas the Train even stops by for a special exhibit each year. 

18. The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is great for you and your little one. You get to see beautiful masterpieces and works of art while your baby gets to soak in the sights from the stroller. The museum even hosts special stroller tours for families. There are also family days where families with kids are admitted for free. You’ll find workshops, art supplies, and hands-on crafts for kids as well. 

Bike or stroll along the 606. And by the end of the year, she'll be pushing her own stroller!

19. Bike the 606

The Bloomingdale Trail is also known as The 606. The former railway has been beautifully converted into a lush running, walking, and biking trail. This elevated trail runs through the Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. As this spot is much more family-friendly than the lakefront, taking your little one for a stroller ride is ideal. Just below the trail, you’ll also find neighborhood parks, coffee shops, ice cream, and other local treats to enjoy as you go. 

Photos by the author unless otherwise indicated.